Interspecific tree named &#39;marcia&#39;s flavor&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:  
     1. Vigorous, upright tree growth with heavy and regular production of fruit.  
     2. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality.  
     3. Fruit with an attractive red skin color.  
     4. Fruit with high Brix (soluble solids) average of 19.2°.  
     5. Maturity of fruit being relatively uniform throughout the tree.  
     6. Firm fruit with good storage and shipping quality.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

[0001] In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive andcontinuing plant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against thisbackground of our activities that the present variety of interspecifictree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimentalorchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

[0002] Among the existing varieties of plums and interspecific trees,which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Flavor Gem’ Interspecific(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10915), ‘Royal Zee’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5486)and ‘Red Beaut’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2539).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0003] Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

[0004] The present new variety of interspecific tree[((Plum×Plumcot)×Plumcot)×[((Plumcot×Plum)×Plum)] was developed by us inour experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., as a firstgeneration cross of a proprietary parent with the field identificationnumber 16GG159 with ‘Flavor Gem’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No.10915). The maternal parent (16GG159) originated from crosses ofproprietary selections of plums (Prunus salicina) with plumcots (Prunussalicina×Prunus armeniaca), which were seedling selections that wereused in our breeding program. We planted and grew a large number ofthese first generation seedlings on their own root system, under closeand careful observation, during which time one such, seedling, which isthe present variety, exhibited desirable tree and fruit characteristicsand was selected in 1993 for asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

[0005] Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety ofinterspecific tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock(non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard locatednear Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to theoriginal tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit areestablished and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0006] The present new variety of interspecific tree is of large size,vigorous, upright growth and a heavy and regular bearer of large size,clingstone fruit with a mild, sweet flavor and excellent eating quality.The fruit is further characterized by having an attractive red skincolor, being nearly uniform in size throughout the tree, nearly globosein shape with even ripening and high soluble solids (Brix 19.2°). Incomparison to the fruit of the interspecific tree ‘Flavor Gem’ (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 10915), the new variety is clingstone instead offreestone and is approximately 20 days earlier in maturity. Incomparison to the ‘Royal Zee’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5486), the newfruit is approximately 35 days later in maturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

[0007] The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typicalspecimens of the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecificvariety. The illustration shows the upper and lower surface of theleaves, an exterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonablypossible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

[0008] The following is a detailed botanical description of the newvariety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as basedon observations of 6 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color.

[0009] Tree:

[0010]Size.—Large. Pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height for economicalharvesting of fruit.

[0011]Vigor.—Vigorous. Tree growth of 1.5 to 2 meters in first growingseason.

[0012]Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.

[0013]Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 30°.

[0014]Productivity.—Productive. Thinning and spacing of fruit necessary.

[0015]Bearer.—Regular. Adequate fruit set 3 consecutive years, noalternate bearing observed.

[0016]Fertility.—Self-sterile, pollenizer required.

[0017]Density.—Medium dense. Usually pruned to vase shape to allowsunlight to center of tree to improve fruit color and health of fruitspurs.

[0018]Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of California.Winter chilling requirement approximately 650 hours at or below 45° F.

[0019] Trunk:

[0020]Size.—Large, stocky. Average circumference 40.6 cm at 20.3 cmabove ground on a 6 year old tree.

[0021]Stocky.—Medium.

[0022]Texture.—Medium shaggy, increases with age of tree.

[0023]Color.—Varies from 10YR 5/2 to 5YR 5/2.

[0024] Branches:

[0025]Size.—Medium. Average circumference 13.4 cm, measured at 86.8 cmabove ground. Crotch angle approximately 30°, increases with heavy fruitproduction.

[0026]Surface texture.—New growth smooth, more mature growth mediumrough.

[0027]Lenticels.—Average number of 24 in 25.8 square cm surface. Averagelength 3.7 mm. Average width 1.6 mm. Color 2.5YR 6/8.

[0028]Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5YR 6/6, where exposedto direct sunlight. Mature growth varies from 7.5YR 4/4 to 7.5YR 3/6.Darkens with age of growth.

[0029] Leaves:

[0030]Size.—Large. Average length 112.8 mm. Average width 42 mm.

[0031]Form.—Oblanceolate.

[0032]Apex.—Acuminate.

[0033]Base.—Cuneate.

[0034]Margin.—Serrate.

[0035]Thickness.—Medium.

[0036]Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slightlyindented over veins and midrib, glabrous. Lower surface relativelysmooth, small ridges created by midrib and pinnate venation, glabrous.

[0037]Petiole.—Long, slender. Average length 18.4 mm. Average width 1.6mm. Longitudinally grooved, glabrous. Color 7.5GY 8/8.

[0038]Glands.—Globose. Small. Average length 0.9 mm. Average diameter0.6 mm. Number varies from 1 to 4, average 3. Located on base of leafblade and upper portion of petiole. Color — 7.5GY 8/6.

[0039]Color.—Upper surface 7.5GY 4/4. Lower surface 7.5GY 6/4. Midveincolor 5GY 8/4.

[0040] Flower buds:

[0041]Size.—Medium. Average length 7.8 mm. Average diameter 4.8 mm.Varies with degree of maturity.

[0042]Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winter climates instone fruit growing areas.

[0043]Form.—Conical, becoming elongated before opening.

[0044]Pedicel.—Average length 13.9 mm. Average width 2.0 mm. Color 2.5GY7/8.

[0045]Color.—N 9.5/.

[0046]Number of buds per spur.—Varies from 13 to 21, average 17.

[0047] Flowers:

[0048]Size.—Medium. Average height 10.2 mm. Average diameter 20.3 mm.

[0049]Petals.—Number 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Shape — ovate,narrows at point of attachment. Average height 7.2 mm. Average width 6.5mm. Color N 9.5/. Margin — entire.

[0050]Sepals.—Number 5, alternately arranged to petals. Shape — ovate,apex rounded. Both surfaces glabrous. Average length 2.6 mm. Averagewidth 2.2 mm. Color — upper surface GY 8/6. Lower surface 5GY 7/4.

[0051]Stamens.—Average number per flower 32. Average filament length 9.0mm. Filament color N 9.5/. Anther color 2.5Y 8/10.

[0052]Pollen.—Self-sterile, pollenizer required. Color 2.5Y 8/8.

[0053]Pistil.—Number — usually 1, varies from 1 to 2. Average length 8.8mm. Surface glabrous. Average height of stigma compared to anthers is1.1 mm lower. Color 2.5GY 9/4.

[0054]Fragrance.—Slight aroma.

[0055]Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 15, 2001. Date of PetalFall Feb. 26, 2001. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

[0056]Color.—N 9.5/.

[0057]Number flowers per flower bud.—Usually 2, varies from 1 to 3.

[0058]Pedicel.—Medium size, glabrous. Average length 14.2 mm. Averagewidth 2.1 mm. Color 2.5GY 7/8.

[0059] Fruit:

[0060]Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.

[0061]Date of first picking.—Jul. 23, 2001.

[0062]Date of last picking.—Jul. 29, 2001. Varies slightly with climaticconditions.

[0063]Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 60.7 mm. Averagetransversely in suture plane 62.1 mm. Average weight 176.1 grams, variesslightly with fertility of the soil, amount of thinning and climaticconditions.

[0064]Form.—Globose.

[0065]Suture.—Nearly smooth, extends from base to apex.

[0066]Ventral surface.—Slightly lipped.

[0067]Apex.—Varies from rounded to slightly retuse.

[0068]Base.—Retuse.

[0069]Cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane. Averagedepth 3.2 mm. Average diameter 6.2 mm.

[0070] Stem:

[0071]Size.—Medium. Average length 16.5 mm. Average diameter 2.6 mm.

[0072]Color.—Varies from 2.5GY 7/4 to 2.5GY 7/6. Varies slightly withexposure to direct sunlight.

[0073] Flesh:

[0074]Ripens.—Evenly.

[0075]Texture.—Texture: Firm, meaty.

[0076]Fibers.—Few, small, tender.

[0077]Firmness.—Good, comparable. to ‘Red Beaut’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 2539).

[0078]Aroma.—Slight.

[0079]Amydgalin.—Undetected.

[0080]Eating quality.—Excellent.

[0081]Flavor.—Excellent, sweet, mild, good balance between acid andsugar.

[0082]Juice.—Moderate, enhances flavor.

[0083]Brix.—Average 19.2°, varies slightly with amount of fruit per treeand climatic conditions.

[0084]Color.—Varies from 5Y 8.5/6 to 2.5Y 5/10, with slight bleeding ofcolor near skin surface. Pit cavity varies from 2.5YR 6/6 to 2.5YR 6/8.

[0085] Skin:

[0086]Thickness.—Medium.

[0087]Surface.—Smooth.

[0088]Bloom.—Moderate, complete coverage.

[0089]Tendency to crack.—Slight, increases with wet weather conditions.

[0090]Color.—Ground color varies from 5Y 8/6 to 5Y 8.5/6. Overspreadwith 5R 2/8 to 5R 3/6. Very small, randomly spaced areas of exposedground color giving a speckling pattern to surface.

[0091]Tenacity.—Tenacious to the flesh.

[0092]Astringency.—Undetected.

[0093] Stone:

[0094]Type.—Clingstone.

[0095]Size.—Large. Average length 28.3 mm. Average width 22.0 mm.Average thickness 11.9 mm.

[0096]Form.—Obovate.

[0097]Base.—Varies from straight to slightly retuse.

[0098]Apex.—Acuminate. Average length 2.3 mm.

[0099]Surface.—Varies from smooth to lightly pitted. One long groove oneach side of suture plane creating a narrow ridge running from base toapex. Several small, short ridges starting from base extending towardapex.

[0100]Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further outward on suture sideof stone.

[0101]Ridges.—Small, narrow, relatively smooth.

[0102]Tendency to split.—None.

[0103]Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 8.5/6 to 2.5Y 8/6 when dry.

[0104] Kernal:

[0105]Form.—Ovate.

[0106]Taste.—Bitter.

[0107]Viability.—Viable, embryo developed.

[0108]Size.—Medium to large. Average length 17.1 mm. Average width 11.5mm. Average thickness 5.1 mm.

[0109]Skin color.—10YR 7/8.

[0110] Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.

[0111] Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage 21 days at 38°to 42° F. without shriveling, internal flesh breakdown or appreciableloss of flavor.

[0112] Shipping quality: Good, minimal skin scarring or flesh bruisingduring picking and packing trials.

[0113] Plant/Fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specifictesting for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility hasbeen designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, andharvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions nearModesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance orsusceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection observedduring indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal fungus,bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and eliminatedfrom our breeding program.

[0114] The present new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers,foliage and fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due toclimate, soil conditions and cultural practices under which the varietymay be grown. The present description is that of the variety grown underthe ecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorousupright growth and being a productive and regular bearer of large size,yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality;the fruit is further characterized by having good storage and shippingquality and, in comparison to the ‘Flavor Gem’ Interspecific (U.S. PlantPat. No. 10915) the fruit is clingstone instead of freestone and isapproximately 20 days earlier in maturity.